Towing action on city clearways

HOBART motorists will be slugged almost $400 for parking in Macquarie St clearways during morning peak times.

From today, cars parked in clearway zones between 6.30am and 9am will be towed to a Mornington impound lot and owners will have to pay $382.62 to get their car back.

Drivers also face $60 in additional fees for every day their car is stored at the impound.

There are two clearways on Macquarie Street, both on the left side of the street. One runs between Denison Lane and Molle St, the other between Barrack and Harrington streets. Signs have been erected warning motorists of the tow-away risk

Motorists had previously received fines for parking in CBD clearways but towing has not been enforced until now.

“Vehicles stopped in clearways impact the flow of traffic and safety of other road users by causing a blockage to the flow of traffic during peak times,” Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said.

“Removing vehicles that are illegally stopped in these zones will help traffic move safely and efficiently, especially during the busiest times of day.”

Mr Ferguson said the Government would also expand towing capabilities on the Brooker, Domain, Tasman and East Derwent highways.

RACT executive general manager community and membership Stacey Pennicott said the state’s peak motoring body supported tow truck removal of parked cars in clearways but said more was still needed to address Hobart’s traffic woes.